BREAD & SALT

Bread and Salt

Bread and Salt

 "Bread and Salt" is the oldest food in the world. According to historians, history of baking Bread dates back to 8000 years ago. On the other hand, history of using Salt dates back to Prophet Abraham's (Hz. Ibrahim) era (when he built kaaba for pilgrims' visit, he prepared a food table for pilgrims and he firstly used salt when he prepared meal). In ancient Rome, Salt was counted among the valuable things like gold and Jewelry. Hence, in Rome, workers and soldiers salaries were paid with salt.  

When we look at the cultures and what "Bread and Salt " effect on the cultures around the world; we can say that; "Bread and Salt" is synonymous with sacred things, abundance and wealth, staff of life, prosperity and health, hospitality, friendship. Briefly, "Bread and Salt" is very respectful things among the community of world. In today's World, "Bread and Salt" is used as sembolize of the welcome greeting ceremony in several Slavic cultures, in European cultures and Anotolia/Turkey - Middle Eastern cultures.   

Basicly, here in Anatolia/Turkey, eating "Bread and Salt" with friends means that an expression of alliance . It is sembolize the reconciliation between two people. Also, eating "Bread and Salt" with friends is thought to make a moral responsibility. This situation is also expressed by the Turkish phrases such as "There are Bread and Salt between us". Also same situation and same attitude can be seen on the whole Middle East.    

Especially, in Slavic countries and European countries, "Bread and Salt" plays an important role. Forexample, according to Russian proverb: "Bread is the staff of life". So it is sacred things to them. In Russia, If there is no Bread at home, it means that there is nothing to eat. It is same in Turkey too.  On the other hand,  "Bread and Salt" is often used that hospitality rituals in Slavic and European countries. 

Bogacha (Pastry)

Bogacha (Pastry): Generally, host women make a different type of bread (its name is "Bogacha") for this ritual, then this kind of Bread presented to guests by the hosts. Bogacha is a form of specially baked round Bread and Salt is placed on top of the Bread. When you join this hospitality ritual anywhere. You should fallow these attitutes; you need to break off a piece of Bogacha and dip it in salt then eat it with smile. (Not refuse). But, today, Bogacha (with different kind and shape) is also use for snacking with tea or coffee.  

Bogacha (Rose or Puff Pastry)

Breadvesalt.blogspot.com: We named our blog site "Bread and Salt". Because, both Bread and Salt have been basic necessity for life since ancient times. Bread is the daily food and Salt is the flavor of the meals and therefore both are important things for the human nitrition. Also we believe that both things are sacred and bring us happiness and profit.

Breadvesalt@gmail.com